Minimum wage talks resume as labor, management remain 1,540 won apart

The tug-of-war between labor and management over next year's minimum wage resumes Thursday, with attention focused on whether the two sides can narrow their differences through additional revised proposals after missing the legal deliberation deadline.

The Minimum Wage Commission will hold its 11th plenary session Thursday afternoon at the Government Complex Sejong to discuss next year's minimum wage level. The commission is composed of 27 members — nine each representing workers, employers and the public interest.

At the 10th plenary session held June 30, labor submitted a second revised proposal of 11,900 won ($8) per hour while management proposed 10,360 won. Compared with this year's minimum wage of 10,320 won, the labor side is seeking a 15.3 percent increase while management is calling for a 0.4 percent rise.

Compared with their initial demands, labor has lowered its figure by 100 won and management has raised its offer by 40 won. Still, the gap between the two sides remains wide at 1,540 won, and further revised proposals are expected at Thursday's session.

Minimum wage deliberations proceed through successive rounds of revised proposals as the two sides gradually close the gap. If no agreement is reached, public-interest members may propose a "deliberation facilitation range" to encourage a compromise, or the commission may ultimately put the figure to a vote.